The Los Angeles Lakers are getting a major boost heading into tonight’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. According to the team, both Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart have been upgraded to probable after missing time with injuries.
“Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart have both been upgraded to probable for tonight’s game in Memphis, per the Lakers,” wrote Dave McMenamin on X.
It’s a big development for Los Angeles, which has been forced to rely heavily on Austin Reaves and Jake LaRavia in the absence of their stars. If both Doncic and Smart are cleared to play, it would be a welcome boost for the team as they continue their push toward the top of the Western Conference standings.
Doncic, in his first full season as a Laker, is averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists across his first two games. He has missed the last three contests with a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion but is expected to make a full recovery.
Marcus Smart, one of the Lakers’ newest additions, has missed the past two games with a quad injury. He’s been a pleasant surprise for the team this season, averaging 7.7 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game on 43.8% shooting. At full strength, he provides leadership, defense, and toughness on the perimeter.
While the Lakers are likely to get back two key guards tonight, they remain without LeBron James, who continues to deal with a nagging sciatica injury. He isn’t expected to return until mid-November at the earliest, meaning Los Angeles will have to carry on without him for now.
Fortunately, with Austin Reaves emerging as a star, it shouldn’t be a problem for the Lakers to stay competitive. Reaves has been the hero of the team so far, putting up MVP-level numbers without LeBron or Luka on the floor. Through five games, he’s averaging 34.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 10.0 assists on 52.5% shooting.
Against the Grizzlies tonight, the Lakers will need all hands on deck to secure a win. Not only will they be facing a tough Western opponent, but this matchup also marks the start of the NBA Emirates Cup, adding even more significance to the contest.
At 3-2, the Lakers have held their own despite multiple injuries and lineup changes. Ja Morant and the Grizzlies present one of their toughest challenges so far, but with Doncic and Smart returning, Los Angeles has a chance to make a statement and strengthen its position early in the season.
Ultimately, health will determine how far this team can go. The Lakers rely on their stars more than most, and that means keeping LeBron, Luka, and Reaves consistently on the court is the only way they’ll reach their full potential.
If Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart both return tonight, the Lakers will finally get a real glimpse of what this roster can do at full strength. With Austin Reaves playing the best basketball of his career and the defense tightening up, this game could mark a turning point for Los Angeles early in the season. The road ahead is long, but if the Lakers can stay healthy and keep building chemistry, there’s no reason they can’t rise to the top of the West once everyone is back on the floor.
